MIDTERM EXAM | REGINE INNA A. CONCEPCION

 Citizen and Community Journalism

Regine Inna A. Concepcion                                        MIDTERM EXAM

BAJ-2B

1. Compare citizen journalism and community journalist

Citizen journalism and community journalism are often confused with one another, while both involve journalistic practices such as gathering and reporting of news there is a bright line between the two. Citizen journalism refers to the active participation of non-professional citizens in the process of news gathering, reporting, and sharing of information through various media platforms. It is often called participatory journalism because citizens themselves report on issues they think need attention. “Citizen journalists” which is formerly the audience voluntarily send materials to news organizations to help them spread information. In citizen journalism audience helps journalists cover events that are beyond their reach and at the same time, the journalist helps the audience to participate in the news process making their voice heard. Community journalism on the other hand is a form of journalism that focuses more on community engagement and active citizenship for social change. This practice focuses on a specific geographical location or interest group where locals receive professional news coverage about their community. Community journalism amplifies voices by providing a platform for citizens where they can raise their opinions and concerns to shed light on issues that are overlooked by other news organizations. Journalists in this process carry out in-depth coverage of issues affecting communities that will inspire citizens to engage themselves in civic action and participation. Community journalism aims to foster connection among residents through local news coverage and empower them to speak up and take positive action to bring change to their community. 

2. Which social issue in the Philippines can be solved or addressed by community journalism? Why? How?

One social issue that can be addressed by community journalism is the serious concern of pollution. At the local level pollution can take many forms air, water, and waste which may have adverse effects on health. There is no doubt that environmental problems like this exist almost in every local community in the Philippines as the country shifts to modernization and industrialization. Stories about local pollution in different communities go unreported because mainstream media lack emphasis on environmental coverage. While citizens are aware of the existence of pollution in marginalized communities, public conversation about the deteriorating effects of pollution on health that may result in diseases and mortality lacks serious attention. Local governments are also failing to launch broadly based efforts of community initiatives against environmental challenges. Community journalism plays a crucial role in raising awareness among residents, representing the environment, and mediating education about it. The journalism approach should incorporate community engagement and science reporting in its coverage by conducting local health studies. The coverage should create a public understanding of health risks, which will help them to recognize their rights to environmental protection. This will empower citizens to speak and demand for policy change while promoting volunteerism.